THE first-ever development specifically designed for severely autistic people in Waltham Forest has been completed.

Five tenants have moved into the £515,000 building in Chingford. Each room has been custom designed to match the individual occupant's needs.

Autism affects 500,000 people across Britain and is a brain development disorder characterised by difficulties in social interaction and communication and restricted and repetitive behaviour. There is currently no cure.

Chingford MP Iain Duncan Smith organised a reception in the House of Commons to celebrate the construction.

He has written letters to Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Conservative leader David Cameron about the flats.

Speaking at the event, Robert Pritchett, regional director of the National Autistic Society, called on local authorities to follow Waltham Forest Council's lead in implementing similar schemes across the country.

He said: "The fact that we are here at the heart of Government celebrating a scheme like this really gets my goat."

Mr Duncan Smith said: "Autism is one of the undiscussed problems that face our community and this project will go a long way to help those affected by the condition to maintain their independence."

Jo Howland, manager at charity Adepta, said the new flats would allow the occupants to undertake activities that most people take for granted, like making a cup of tea or shopping for clothes.

Waltham Forest Housing Associating spearheaded the scheme.

Chief executive Linda Milton said: "We can all be part of a new era of opportunity for people with autism and their family and carers."

In July, 38 NHS management trainees designed a garden for the residents.

They planted flower beds, turned over soil to prepare for planting, turfed and laid lawns and developed a seating area.